GRF Financial Foresight

Insights from the team on the GRF blog

Search Blogs
Audit and Assurance, Compliance | Businesses and Individuals, Nonprofits and Associations

DfID Merger with FCO Creates Uncertainty with UK Aid

By Tricia Katebini, CPA, MBA, Senior Manager, Audit On June 16, United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a merger between the Department for International Development (DfID) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Together the two departments will become the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Johnson said the merger will “unite our aid…

Read more ›


Audit and Assurance | Nonprofits and Associations

The COVID-19 Crisis Highlights Best Practices for Virtual Audits

By Thomas Netznik, CPA, Audit Manager, GRF CPAs & Advisors In recent years, nonprofits have begun investing in technology that not only appeals to a younger workforce, but also achieves some organizational goals related to digital transformation. Gone are the days when most organizations relied on paper documents and files, and not a moment too…

Read more ›


Audit and Assurance, Employee Benefit Plans | Businesses and Individuals, Government Contractors, International NGOs, Nonprofits and Associations

Retirement Plan Options during the COVID-19 Crisis

By Jennifer McCahill, CPA, Partner Individuals and organizations are looking for ways to gain access to cash during this time of financial and economic uncertainty. As Congress and the Administration discuss additional aid packages, we are seeing changes to the traditional regulations that would allow individuals and organizations to access funds through retirement plans. There…

Read more ›


Audit and Assurance | Nonprofits and Associations

What Every Board Member Should Know about the Financial Statement Audit

By Omid Mohebbi, CPA | Audit Supervisor As members of a nonprofit board of directors, you and your board colleagues are charged with considering a variety of matters as part of your fiduciary duty to safeguard the organization. Even if you are not part of a designated audit or finance committee, as a member of…

Read more ›


Audit and Assurance | Nonprofits and Associations

An Audit Committee Offers Substantial Value Beyond the Audit

By Laura Malcom, CPA | Audit Manager Most nonprofit organizations today are led by a volunteer board of directors responsible for helping the group achieve its mission while providing sound governance and financial management1. In keeping with their fiduciary duty to provide effective financial oversight, many boards appoint an audit committee if not already required…

Read more ›


Audit and Assurance, Compliance | International NGOs, Nonprofits and Associations

UG Compliance Requires Awardees Address Key Sub-Recipient Risk Areas

By Tom Netznik, CPA | Nonprofit Audit Manager Whether your organization has historically provided sub-awards to domestic or international nonprofit organizations or is new to these types of transactions, there are important steps you should take to not only ensure compliance with federal regulations, but also protect your organization from possible loss due to unallowable…

Read more ›


Audit and Assurance, Compliance, Internal Audit | International NGOs, Nonprofits and Associations

Forensic Auditing and Artificial Intelligence Help Detect Fraudulent Activity

By Mac Lillard, CPA, CFE, CITP, CISA, | Manager, Audit and Risk Advisory Services Fraud prevention is one of the most important aspects of an effective organizational risk management strategy. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) 2018 Report to the Nations, there were 2,690 cases of occupational fraud, resulting in $7+ billion…

Read more ›


Audit and Assurance, Compliance | International NGOs, Nonprofits and Associations

Best Practices for Nonprofits Implementing ASU 2016-14

By Alison Albrecht, CPA | Nonprofit Audit Supervisor The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-14, Presentation of Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Entities, to enhance the presentation of financial statements and provide more meaningful information to the readers of the financial statements. One of the changes included in the ASU 2016-14…

Read more ›


Audit and Assurance, Compliance | International NGOs, Nonprofits and Associations

Identifying Contributions vs. Exchange Transactions Clarified with ASU 2018-08 (Topic 958)

By Lindsay Dean, CPA | Nonprofit Audit Senior Manager In June 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-08, Not-for-Profit Entities (Topic 958): Clarifying the Scope and Accounting Guidance for Contributions Received and Contributions Made. Nonprofit organizations with fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2018 and make or receive contributions should be prepared to…

Read more ›


Audit and Assurance, Compliance | International NGOs, Nonprofits and Associations

A Practical Guide to Consolidation vs. Combination of Financial Statements for Nonprofits

By Carlos Hurtado, CPA | Nonprofit Audit Supervisor In recent years, nonprofit organizations have drastically changed how they structure their relationship with related organizations. The relationship of an organization and its related entities is not only important to their operational, programmatic and financial goals; it may also significantly affect the audit of their financial statements….

Read more ›